How To Clean Silverware

It is important to clean and sanitize silverware properly after each use. Washing silverware off with water will not get rid of the food particles that dry on the utensils or the germs that reside on them. Grab a few items and learn how to wash silverware.

What you will need:

Sink

Dish soap

Sponge

Drying cloths

Drying rack (optional)

Fill the sink with warm, soapy water. Plug up the sink and fill it with warm water. Take the soap dispenser and squirt the soap directly into the stream of water to make the water soapy. Fill the sink up about half way.

Place the silverware in the water. Let the silverware sit in the water so the food particles and grease can loosen up. Tip: Let the dirtiest silverware soak for the longest time; clean the lightly soiled silverware first and save the dirtiest silverware for last.

Use the sponge to clean the silverware. Hold the utensil at the base and scrub each side with the sponge. Forks require more effort to clean; food gets caught between the prongs, so make sure you scrub those areas well. Scrub the entire length of the utensil.

Wash off the silverware. Turn on the faucet and run water over the silverware. Wash off each utensil separately to make sure you get all of the soap off.

Dry the silverware. Place one drying cloth on the counter and use the other cloth to dry the silverware. If you have a drying rack, place the wet silverware on the rack to dry overnight.

Drain the sink. Remove the plug and drain the sink. Clean off soap scum and food particles that remain in the sink.